Ice maker ice-out noise reduction device, ice maker, ice making equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides an ice -making machine ice -making noise reduction device, ice -making machine, refrigeration equipment, include: ice tray, ice receiving tray, buffer baffle and angle adjusting device, from top to bottom in proper order set up ice tray, buffer baffle and ice receiving tray, angle adjusting device is connected with buffer baffle, ice tray is used to make whole tray ice block, ice receiving tray is used to receive the ice block after scattering, buffer baffle is used to reduce the noise, angle adjusting device is used for adjusting buffer baffle angle, the utility model discloses on the basis of original ice -making machine has added motor control's buffer baffle, when ice -making is completed, will through the buffer baffle of angle change as far as possible to reduce the noise of ice -making. And set up sponge pad noise reduction structure on buffer baffle, can carry out deceleration and noise reduction processing to ice block, when ice block falls to buffer baffle, carries out deceleration processing to ice block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of ice-making technology, and in particular relates to an ice-making machine noise reduction device, an ice maker, and ice-making equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional commercial ice makers typically use a height difference to drop a whole tray of ice blocks into a receiving tray, causing the ice blocks to scatter. However, this method usually generates a lot of noise and does not fully consider the user experience and actual needs.

[0003] Existing technology discloses an ice maker with noise reduction components, including an ice maker body and a water tank. A water outlet pipe, an ice tray, and a water tank with a water pump are fixedly installed on the top inner part of the ice maker body. An ice guiding channel and noise reduction components are installed inside the ice maker body. A release baffle temporarily blocks the ice tray when the ice is prepared. When ice needs to be removed, a switch moves a push rod to release the release baffle, releasing the prepared ice from the ice tray. The released ice passes through the ice guiding channel into the buffer shell of the noise reduction components, where two buffer pads catch and cushion the falling ice. However, this existing technology has shortcomings: it does not consider noise issues under different ice production volumes; when the ice production volume is small, a large tilt angle will cause ice to collide, failing to reduce noise; when the ice production volume is large and the tilt angle is large, ice will pile up, resulting in insufficient noise reduction. Furthermore, this existing technology does not take into account lifespan and maintenance issues.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a noise reduction structure design for ice making and dispensing that is more efficient, reduces noise, and improves user experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a method for reducing noise during ice dispensing in an ice maker, which solves the following technical problems: 1. Reduces the impact between ice blocks and the bottom of the ice outlet or the ice receiving tray; 2. Reduces noise and improves the user experience; 3. Slows down the falling speed of ice blocks to avoid blockage of the ice dispensing channel due to ice accumulation or jamming, thereby improving the stability of the ice dispensing process.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0007] The first aspect of this utility model provides an ice maker ice dispensing noise reduction device, comprising: An ice-making tray, an ice-receiving tray, a buffer baffle, and an angle adjustment device are arranged sequentially from top to bottom; the angle adjustment device is connected to the buffer baffle. The ice-making tray is used to make a whole tray of ice blocks; the ice-receiving tray is used to receive the scattered ice blocks; the buffer baffle is used to reduce noise; and the angle adjustment device is used to adjust the angle of the buffer baffle.

[0008] Preferably, the buffer baffle includes a baffle and an anti-slip module; the anti-slip module is disposed on the upper part of the baffle to reduce the noise when the ice block hits the baffle.

[0009] Preferably, the anti-slip module is a sponge pad.

[0010] Preferably, the baffle is an edible-grade high-density polyethylene baffle.

[0011] Preferably, the angle adjustment device includes a stepper motor and an intelligent control module; the stepper motor is connected to the intelligent control module and the buffer baffle respectively; The intelligent control module is used to send a PWM signal to control the angle of the buffer baffle; the stepper motor is used to receive the PWM signal and adjust the angle of the buffer baffle.

[0012] Preferably, the intelligent control module includes an ice detection sensor and a stepper motor angle adjustment interface; The ice detection sensor is used to communicate with the ice maker's MCU control module to receive the current ice production amount and ice size; the stepper motor angle adjustment interface is connected to the stepper motor.

[0013] Preferably, there are multiple buffer baffles, and the buffer baffles are arranged in staggered layers.

[0014] Preferably, a rubber shock-absorbing pad or damping sponge is embedded in the bottom of the ice receiving tray to further absorb the impact force of the ice and reduce noise.

[0015] The second aspect of this utility model provides an ice maker, which includes the ice maker ice dispensing noise reduction device described above.

[0016] The third aspect of this utility model provides an ice-making device, including the aforementioned ice-discharge noise reduction device for an ice maker. The beneficial effects of this utility model are that, compared with the prior art: This invention addresses the noise issue in existing commercial ice makers during the ice dispensing process, specifically the noise generated when ice cubes fall into the ice collection tray. By optimizing the structure of the ice outlet and implementing intelligent control, it significantly reduces noise during ice dispensing while simultaneously improving equipment stability and user experience. This design not only meets market demand for low-noise ice makers but also provides a new technological direction for the improvement of ice makers.

[0017] This invention adds a motor-controlled buffer baffle to the existing ice maker. After ice making is complete, the adjustable-angle buffer baffle minimizes the noise during ice making. Furthermore, a sponge pad noise reduction structure is installed on the buffer baffle to slow down and reduce noise when the ice blocks fall onto it. The buffer baffle's angle can be adjusted via a stepper motor, and the ice-making volume is detected by an ice block detection sensor: When the ice-making volume is small, the first baffle angle is adjusted to 45° to separate the ice blocks on the first baffle, avoiding collision noise. The second baffle angle is adjusted to 30°, at which point the ice blocks move slowly, resulting in less collision noise. When the ice-making volume is medium, the angles of the first and second baffles are adjusted to 45°, directly separating the ice blocks between the two baffles, reducing collision noise. When the ice-making volume is maximum, the first baffle angle is adjusted to 30°. At this point, collision cannot be avoided, so the angle is reduced to buffer the ice blocks, while the second baffle angle is adjusted to 60° to separate the ice blocks on the second baffle, reducing noise generated by collisions.

[0018] Existing technology uses purely structural control and fixing bolts for noise baffle design. As the ice maker's usage increases, this baffle is prone to damage and difficult to maintain. This invention uses a stepper motor for control, and the angle can be automatically corrected through a program after prolonged use, extending product lifespan. During maintenance, the buffer baffle can be lowered to 0° for easy cleaning of the ice area. Furthermore, different angle controls can be set according to user needs, reducing noise for ice cubes of different sizes and shapes. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is the angle adjustment process of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. The embodiments described in this application are merely some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the spirit of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0021] The same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals in different figures; in addition, please understand that terms such as "first", "second", "third", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", "end", "part", "segment", "width", "thickness", "area" and similar terms in the text are only for the convenience of the viewer to refer to the structure in the figures and are only used to help describe the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] Noise Reduction Method for Ice Maker Dispensing: Most ice makers on the market currently suffer from significant noise during ice dispensing. Traditional ice makers generate considerable noise as ice cubes detach from the mold and fall into the ice tray after ice making, negatively impacting the user experience. This invention minimizes the noise generated during ice cube release into the ice tray and simultaneously solves the problem of ice cubes sticking together after dispensing, making them inconvenient to handle.

[0024] This utility model provides a buffer structure design for the ice outlet, offering a systematic optimization solution to address the noise problem of ice makers. The aim is to significantly reduce noise by 10-20 dB, optimize the user experience, and improve ice dispensing efficiency and stability. Specific implementation details are as follows: Example 1 like Figure 1-2 As shown, Embodiment 1 of this utility model provides an ice maker ice dispensing noise reduction device, comprising: Ice making tray, ice receiving tray, buffer baffle and angle adjustment device; the buffer baffle includes a baffle and an anti-slip module; the angle adjustment device includes a stepper motor and an intelligent control module; the intelligent control module includes an ice block detection sensor and a stepper motor angle adjustment interface.

[0025] The ice-making tray is used to make whole ice blocks; the ice-receiving tray is used to catch the scattered ice blocks; the intelligent control module is used to send PWM signals to control the angle of the buffer baffle; the stepper motor is used to receive the PWM signals and adjust the angle of the buffer baffle. Based on the coordinated action of the intelligent control module and the stepper motor, different ice-making volumes achieve different effects; when the ice-making volume is small, collision noise is minimized; when the ice-making volume is large, stacking noise is minimized. The ice block detection sensor is used to communicate with the ice maker's MCU control module to receive the current ice-making volume and ice block size.

[0026] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of this utility model, the baffle is an edible-grade high-density polyethylene baffle; the anti-slip module is a sponge pad, which is fixedly installed on the upper part of the edible-grade high-density polyethylene baffle to reduce the noise when the ice cubes collide with the edible-grade high-density polyethylene baffle.

[0027] The ice-making tray, ice outlet, buffer baffle, and ice receiving tray are arranged from top to bottom. The buffer baffle is connected to the angle adjustment device, and the anti-slip module is located on the upper part of the baffle. The ice cube detection sensor is located on the lower part of the ice-making tray. The stepper motor is connected to the buffer baffle; the intelligent control module is connected to the stepper motor. The stepper motor angle adjustment interface is connected to the stepper motor.

[0028] There are multiple buffer baffles, which are staggered in layer by layer.

[0029] Rubber shock-absorbing pads or damping sponges are embedded in the bottom of the ice tray to further absorb the impact of ice and reduce noise.

[0030] Example 2 Embodiment 2 of this utility model provides an ice maker ice dispensing noise reduction device, including: Ice making tray, ice receiving tray, buffer baffle and angle adjustment device; the buffer baffle includes a baffle and an anti-slip module; the angle adjustment device includes a stepper motor and an intelligent control module; the intelligent control module includes an ice block detection sensor and a stepper motor angle adjustment interface.

[0031] The ice-making tray is used to make whole ice blocks; the ice-receiving tray is used to catch the scattered ice blocks; the intelligent control module is used to send PWM signals to control the angle of the buffer baffle; the stepper motor is used to receive the PWM signals and adjust the angle of the buffer baffle. Based on the coordinated action of the intelligent control module and the stepper motor, different ice-making volumes achieve different effects; when the ice-making volume is small, collision noise is minimized; when the ice-making volume is large, stacking noise is minimized. The ice block detection sensor is used to communicate with the ice maker's MCU control module to receive the current ice-making volume and ice block size.

[0032] The ice-making tray, ice outlet, buffer baffle, and ice receiving tray are arranged from top to bottom. The buffer baffle is connected to the angle adjustment device, and the anti-slip module is located on the upper part of the baffle. The ice cube detection sensor is located on the lower part of the ice-making tray. The stepper motor is connected to the buffer baffle; the intelligent control module is connected to the stepper motor. The stepper motor angle adjustment interface is connected to the stepper motor.

[0033] There are two buffer baffles, which are staggered vertically. The buffer baffles include a first baffle 1 and a second baffle 2. The angle of the baffles can be adjusted according to the amount of ice produced, so that the ice blocks will naturally slow down after falling and contacting the buffer baffles after being de-iced.

[0034] In the design of the buffer baffle, food-grade high-density polyethylene is selected, and the surface is equipped with anti-slip modules to eliminate the noise of ice cubes sliding. The tilt angle of the buffer baffle is adjustable (30°-60°) according to the amount of ice produced, the spacing is 1.5-2 times the width of the ice cube, and the thickness is controlled at 2-5mm to ensure that the ice cubes decelerate naturally and are evenly stressed during the sliding process. The first baffle 1 has an angle α with the horizontal plane, and the second baffle 2 has an angle β with the horizontal plane. The baffles are set at angles α and β with the horizontal plane at a tilt angle of 30°-60°. The angle is adjusted according to different ice production volumes and ice-making modes to ensure that the ice cubes slide smoothly.

[0035] Rubber shock-absorbing pads or damping sponges are embedded in the bottom of the ice tray to further absorb the impact.

[0036] When the ice maker is in normal ice-making mode, the intelligent control module can be configured with maximum, normal, and minimum ice-making capacities based on the ice production capacity. Simultaneously, the baffle angles α and β are set to three groups according to the ice production capacity. When the minimum ice production capacity is selected, α=45° and β=30°. The larger angle of the first baffle effectively separates the ice cubes immediately upon dispensing, reducing ice sticking, while the second baffle provides a buffering effect. When the normal ice production capacity is selected, α=45° and β=45°. When the maximum ice production capacity is selected, α=30° and β=60°. The smaller angle of the first baffle effectively reduces noise while providing a buffering effect, and the drop of the second baffle separates the buffered ice cubes, reducing ice sticking.

[0037] When the ice maker is set to the fast ice-making mode, the resulting ice cubes contain more air bubbles and are more brittle, making them more prone to breakage. Therefore, the angle α of the first baffle should be set to 30° and the angle β of the second baffle should be set to 60°. This satisfies the need for buffering the ice dispensing process to reduce noise, while also reducing the possibility of ice cubes breaking due to direct impact, thus ensuring the integrity of the ice cubes.

[0038] Meanwhile, in addition to the automatic adjustment of ice production capacity, α and β also allow users to manually adjust their angles according to actual usage conditions to meet the needs of different scenarios.

[0039] The intelligent control module integrates an ice block detection sensor to monitor the size and weight of the ice blocks in real time and dynamically adjust the baffle angle to ensure that the noise reduction effect and ice dispensing stability meet the standards.

[0040] This invention effectively solves the problem of noise when ice is dispensed from ice makers, meets the user demand for quiet ice making in commercial ice makers, and has significant practical value and market promotion prospects.

[0041] Example 3 Embodiment 3 of this utility model provides an ice maker, including the ice dispensing noise reduction device of embodiment 1 or 2.

[0042] Example 4 Embodiment 4 of this utility model provides an ice maker, including the ice dispensing noise reduction device of embodiment 1 or 2.

[0043] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows, compared with the prior art: This invention addresses the noise issue in existing commercial ice makers during the ice dispensing process, specifically the noise generated when ice cubes fall into the ice collection tray. It proposes a buffer structure design for the ice dispensing outlet. By optimizing the outlet's structural design and implementing intelligent control, noise during ice dispensing is significantly reduced, while simultaneously improving equipment stability and user experience. This design not only meets market demand for low-noise ice makers but also provides a new technological direction for ice maker improvement.

[0044] This invention adds a motor-controlled noise-reducing baffle to the existing ice maker. After ice making is complete, the baffle, which can be adjusted to different angles, minimizes the noise during ice making. Furthermore, a sponge noise-reducing structure is installed on the baffle to slow down and reduce the noise of the ice blocks as they fall. The baffle angle can be adjusted by a stepper motor, and the ice volume is detected by an ice block detection sensor: When the ice volume is small, the first baffle angle is adjusted to 45° to separate the ice blocks on the first baffle and avoid the collision noise. The second baffle angle is adjusted to 30°, at which point the ice blocks move slowly and the collision noise is small. When the ice volume is medium, the angles of the first and second baffles are adjusted to 45°, and the ice blocks are separated directly between the two baffles, reducing the collision noise. When the ice volume is large, the angle of the first baffle is adjusted to 30°. At this point, collision cannot be avoided, so the angle is reduced to buffer the ice blocks. At the same time, the angle of the second baffle is adjusted to 60°, and the ice blocks are separated on the second baffle, reducing the noise generated by the collision.

[0045] Existing technology uses purely structural control and fixing bolts for noise baffle design. As the ice maker is used more frequently, this baffle is prone to damage and difficult to maintain. This invention uses a stepper motor for control, and the angle can be automatically corrected through a program after prolonged use, improving product lifespan. During maintenance, the baffle can be lowered to 0° for easy cleaning of the ice area. Furthermore, different angle controls can be set according to user needs, reducing noise for ice cubes of different sizes and shapes.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of this utility model. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be covered within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A noise reduction device for ice dispensing in an ice maker, characterized in that, include: An ice-making tray, an ice-receiving tray, a buffer baffle, and an angle adjustment device are arranged sequentially from top to bottom; the angle adjustment device is connected to the buffer baffle. The ice-making tray is used to make a whole tray of ice blocks; the ice-receiving tray is used to receive the scattered ice blocks; the buffer baffle is used to reduce noise; and the angle adjustment device is used to adjust the angle of the buffer baffle.

2. The ice-discharge noise reduction device for an ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer baffle includes a baffle and an anti-slip module; the anti-slip module is located on the upper part of the baffle and is used to reduce the noise when ice blocks collide with the baffle.

3. The ice-discharge noise reduction device for an ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that: The anti-slip module is a sponge pad.

4. The ice-discharging noise reduction device for an ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that: The baffle is made of food-grade high-density polyethylene.

5. The ice-discharge noise reduction device for an ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle adjustment device includes a stepper motor and an intelligent control module; the stepper motor is connected to both the intelligent control module and the buffer baffle. The intelligent control module is used to send a PWM signal to control the angle of the buffer baffle; the stepper motor is used to receive the PWM signal and adjust the angle of the buffer baffle.

6. The ice-discharging noise reduction device for an ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that: The intelligent control module includes an ice detection sensor and a stepper motor angle adjustment interface; The ice detection sensor is used to communicate with the ice maker's MCU control module to receive the current ice production amount and ice size; the stepper motor angle adjustment interface is connected to the stepper motor.

7. The ice-discharge noise reduction device for an ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple buffer baffles, and the different buffer baffles are arranged in staggered layers.

8. The ice-discharging noise reduction device for an ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the ice receiving tray is embedded with rubber shock-absorbing pads or damping sponges to further absorb the impact of ice and reduce noise.

9. An ice maker, characterized in that: Includes the ice-discharging noise reduction device for an ice maker as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. An ice-making device, characterized in that: Includes the ice-discharging noise reduction device for an ice maker as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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